Ministry of Education and Training (MOET)
National Economics University (NEU)
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Press Information on the Policy Dialogue Seminar:

“U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Policy: Impacts and Strategic Adjustments for Vietnam”

I. Background

In recent years, U.S. tariff policy has become a strategic tool in international trade policy, particularly amid economic and technological competition among major economies. The United States uses reciprocal tariff measures (retaliatory tariffs) to respond to trade practices it considers unfair, in violation of WTO commitments, or harmful to its domestic economy. Reciprocal tariff policy affects not only major partners such as China and the EU but also has ripple effects on many other countries connected through global supply chains, including Vietnam. U.S. increases or adjustments to reciprocal tariffs cause major shifts in trade flows, investment, and the structure of global value chains.

The U.S. announcement of reciprocal tariffs has sent shock waves around the world. For Vietnam, the United States announced a tariff rate of 46%; without a positive negotiating outcome to postpone its implementation for 90 days, this would be a major shock to the Vietnamese economy. These 90 days provide Vietnam with time to prepare for negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, in a spirit of safeguarding national interests, ensuring fair trade, balancing interests, and sharing risks.

Currently, exports from Vietnam to the United States account for as much as 30% of total export value, while the trade surplus with the United States represents more than 20% of the economy’s total GDP. In terms of composition, 70% of goods exported to the United States are key manufactured and processed products such as electrical and electronic products, components, phones, leather goods and footwear, textiles and garments, and wood products. These products are largely manufactured by the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector, which has also been a driver of the economy in recent years. These tariffs therefore have a substantial impact on both exports and the FDI sector, directly affecting the economy’s most important growth drivers. This, in turn, significantly affects growth and causes macroeconomic instability.

Whatever the outcome, this is a period for Vietnam to prepare responses to the changes and impacts arising from the new U.S. tariff policy. It is also an opportunity to restructure the economy to achieve self-reliance and sustainable development and strengthen its resilience to global instability.

Against this backdrop, NEU is organizing a policy dialogue seminar on the theme “U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Policy: Impacts and Strategic Adjustments for Vietnam.” This forum will bring together researchers, experts, and policymakers to exchange views, analyze the nature and impacts of the policy, and propose appropriate strategic solutions to help businesses and the Vietnamese economy adapt effectively to changes in U.S. reciprocal tariff policy in the new context.

II. Seminar Objectives and Topics

The seminar’s overall objective is to assess the impacts of U.S. reciprocal tariff policy on Vietnam and, on that basis, propose appropriate directions, responses, and strategic adjustments in the context of global economic integration.

Specific topics include:

• Assessing the impacts of U.S. reciprocal tariff policy on Vietnam’s overall economy, production sectors, and business sector.

• Clearly identifying the risks/challenges as well as opportunities for Vietnam.

• Proposing strategic adjustments and policies to support businesses, industries, and the Vietnamese economy in adapting to U.S. reciprocal tariff policy and enhancing competitiveness in the new context

III. Date, Time, and Venue

– Date and time: 8:00 a.m. on May 8, 2025 (Thursday);

– Venue: Conference Room, Floor G, Building A1, NEU, 207 Giai Phong Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

IV. Participants

The seminar will bring together approximately 80 delegates representing central-level bodies, including the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, the National Assembly’s Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, and central ministries, commissions, and agencies; research institutes; universities and higher education institutions; businesses; associations; and economic experts, among others.

Key speakers will include:

– Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management

– Dr. Tran Toan Thang, Head of the International Affairs and Integration Policy Division, Institute for Economic Strategy and Policy

– Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, former Deputy Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management

– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Huu Nghi, Vice Dean of the School of Banking and Finance, NEU

– Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, Head of the Department of Research Management, NEU

– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi, Rector of the College of Business, NEU

– Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, NEU

– Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ke Tuan, NEU

– Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Hoa, NEU

– Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Van Hoa, NEU

– Prof. Dr. Ngo Thang Loi, NEU

The event program is attached to this press information.

For information about the seminar, please contact:

MSc. Vu Phuong Linh, Department of Communications, NEU, mobile: 0973.256.257, email: linhvp@neu.edu.vn

MSc. Bui Huy Hoan, Department of Research Management, NEU, mobile: 0965.666.857, email: hoanbh@neu.edu.vn

Please be advised.

Organizing Committee

Seminar Program

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.